Top 5 U.S. Counties & States Most at Risk for a Natural Disaster

House affected by hurricane damage

Summer is a breeding ground for extreme weather concoctions — hurricane season colliding with wildfire threats. This lethal mixture makes it very difficult to plan when the next natural disaster may strike.

With recent data from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Forbes Advisor, we now know where these disasters may be heading and how to prepare for them. Geography and geology can determine if your home is at greater risk for hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes or flooding. It’s important to know if your property is located within the counties with the highest risk and determine the best coverage to meet the needs of an unforeseen natural disaster.

Top U.S. Counties Most Heavily Affected by Natural Disasters in the Past Decade

1. Los Angeles County, California

Wildfires raging in California every year have caused billions in property damage. In the past decaade, Los Angeles County incurred around 22 FEMA-declared disasters..

With wildfire season beginning to blaze, it’s wise to have special precautions and plans set in place. If guests are staying at your property during a wildfire, make sure they’re aware of the fire safety plans you have in place. Check out our blog post on wildfire planning here.

2. East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana (tie)

East Baton Rouge Parish has had 17 disaster declarations since 2013. Ten of those declarations were hurricanes. Due to Louisiana’s proximity to the Gulf Coast, it’s no surprise they have a high risk for natural disasters. Louisiana has a relatively low elevation, so floods are a very common problem. Hurricanes come with heavy rain and drainage systems cannot keep up.

Although these storms come out of nowhere, it’s always smart to have a contingency plan for when disaster strikes. Click here to read our blog post on how to create one.

2. Orleans Parish, Louisiana (tie)

Tied with East Baton Rouge Parish, Orleans Parish has had several disasters, ranging from hurricanes to ice storms. They’ve incurred 17 FEMA declarations in the past 10 years.

4. Riverside County, California (tie)

Coming in next with a total of 16 FEMA disaster declarations since 2013 is Riverside County, California. These emergencies ranged from wildfires to flooding and severe storms.

4. Jefferson Parish, Louisiana (tie)

Jefferson Parish has had 16 FEMA-declared emergencies since 2013. Many different weather patterns cross over Louisiana making them susceptible to disastrous storms. With snowstorms, tornados, hail and ice storms, vacation rental property owners need to have a plan in place to protect their homes and guests from these natural disasters.

The Top 5 States Most at Risk for Natural Disasters

Aside from the list of U.S. counties most heavily impacted by natural disasters, Forbes also created a list of five states that run the risk of billion-dollar natural disasters this year. They are:

1. Texas

2. Illinois

3. Missouri

4. Virginia

5. Georgia

Be Prepared for Anything

Even if your vacation rental is not located in these counties or states, it’s critical to have an action plan in the event disaster strikes. The cost of not being adequately insured for a natural disaster leaves your property at great risk and may cost you much more in the long run.

Your property is one of your largest assets. Don’t carry the weight of the unknown. Let us help you protect your business and mitigate potential risks. To learn more about protecting your business from the unexpected, request a free quote from CBIZ Vacation Rental Insurance today.

This blog may contain scenarios that are provided as examples only. Coverage is subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy issued. The information provided is general in nature and may be affected by changes in law or the interpretation of such laws. The reader is advised to contact a professional prior to taking any action based upon this information.